If I Were a Velociraptor
by Dr. Petra StoneA child imagines living as different dinosaurs, learning facts about each one through their daydreams
2/1/2026
10 pages
Meet the Characters
Alex
Style
Gouache & Opaque
Story
Story Arc
Order
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Realistic FictionIdentity & SelfBeing UniqueImagination
A little boy's big dreams in his own backyard.
Page 1
Alex loved his backyard. Today felt extra special, a perfect day for mighty dinosaurs. He clutched his bright green toy, imagining it roaring across ancient lands. Alex wished he was the biggest, scariest dinosaur of all.
Page 2
He stomped through tall grass, pretending it was a jungle. The bushes around him seemed to grow taller, their leaves fanning out like giant ferns. Alex puffed out his chest, trying to look very grand. He wanted to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Page 3
But then, Alex saw something amazing. A towering shadow stretched over him, much longer than his own. The clothesline pole now looked like a giant tree trunk. What if being big meant reaching for yummy leaves up high?
Page 4
He imagined himself as a Brachiosaurus, long neck stretching. Alex raised his green toy dinosaur high, mimicking its long neck. He reached for the highest leaves on the oak tree. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves around him.
Page 5
A rustle in the flower bed caught his attention. It looked like sharp plates sticking up! He peered closer, noticing the rose bushes with their thorny stems. Perhaps scaring wasn't always about being biggest.
Page 6
Alex became a Stegosaurus, with powerful plates for protection. He carefully placed a few large hosta leaves on his back. They felt like strong shields, ready for anything. The sun warmed the leaves on his back.
Page 7
Suddenly, a tiny blue butterfly fluttered past Alex's nose. It was so fast! It zipped around the hydrangeas. Alex spun, trying to follow its speedy path.
Page 8
He tried to be a swift Velociraptor, quick and clever. Alex darted between the garden pots, zigging and zagging. His brown sneakers barely touched the ground. Being fast felt like a great strength too.
Page 9
Alex finally paused, a little breathless but smiling. He looked at his green toy dinosaur. Each dinosaur was special in its own way, big or small. Maybe his own strength was different too.
Page 10
Alex skipped back toward the porch, feeling happy. The backyard was just his backyard again. But he knew now that every single creature, even himself, had its own special way to be wonderful.
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